Conservation Compass

Water Quality Initiative (WQI)

Modified On
April 6, 2026

This state incentive is popular because it’s easy to sign up for and accepts both new and continuing acres; but sign up early. Funds are first come, first served.

Info at a Glance

Lead Organization

IDALS

Funding Source

State

Agronomist Support?

Yes

Eligibility:

For both new and continuing acres

Location

Statewide

Contract Length

1 year

Deadline

Until funds run out. Recommend signing up before July

Sign-up Process

Sign-up process takes 1-7 days at your local SWCD. Payment is usually made before Jan 1, but can depend on how quickly farmer brings in proof of planting (for cover crop)

Pros and Cons

  • Easy to sign up for with substantial rates
  • Priority watersheds sometimes offer higher rates or no acre cap.
  • Funds go fast so you have to sign up early!
  • Does have an acre cap


Rates:

New users: $30/acre
Continuing users: $20/acre

Notes:

160 acre cap
*Higher rates and/or no acre caps for some priority watersheds



Helpful Links

Program Website

CONTACT IAWA Find Conservation Agronomist Conservation Compass Home

Stacks well with:

Always check with program rep before signing up for multiple programs. Learn more about stacking here.

Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) Cover Crop Program

PFI offers a straightforward program that many farmers come back to year after year for its ease of use and easy stackability with public funding.


Learn more

Farmers for Soil Health

A program made by farmers for farmers, this is a USDA grant funded initially by the Climate Smart Program (Now known as the Advancing Markets For Producers program). New in 2026, payments are $35 per acre for all farmers, not just those who are new to cover crops, and must sign up before seeding.


Learn more

Looking for help?
Search our Agronomist Directory.

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